Greek Yogurt - Yasou To Healthy Eating

For the past few years Greek yogurt has been the star of dieting. People rave about its; benefits and its's flavor. Is it a good replacement for regular milk as claimed?Is it just as tasty? Both answers are a resounding yes!

There are many benefits to going Greek.It is a probiotic which means it helps to keep producing good bacteria in your gut.it helps to lessen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, Chrohn's disease and ulceritive  colitis.It's also good for lowering blood pressure thanks to calcium, magnesium and potassium, vital minerals needed to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers.This combo of minerals also aid in promoting strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Many think it's just the first that helps our internal frames, but the other two are just as important.  One of the best boons to eating Greek yogurt is that it helps you to feel full and not be hungry all the time.It has double the amount of protein that regular dairy has.It takes the body twice as long to digest it then and it's great in curbing the appetite.Have it with lunch or as a part of dinner to stop those afternoon or evening munchies.Lactose intolerant people need to have this in their lives.It's lower in lactose than regular milk and the probiotics in it help to break down those lactic sugars. For those wondering why Greek yogurt is better than regular dairy the answer is in its' origins.It comes from ewes as opposed to cows, Sheep's milk is better for you on so many levels.It doesn't cause allergies  and has a greater concentration of  essential fatty acids.

What is the best Greek yogurt? I like Fage (pronounced fy-hee) myself . The plain makes a great sub for sour cream as I recently found out with a baked potato. It not only is lighter in taste and texture, it's truly delicious. It's not as overpowering as the real thing, and makes for a tastier spud. I plan on using it for making onion dip with fresh onions perfect with baked potato chips,It will also be good as a topping for homemade tacos too, as well as being added to mashed potatoes and squash  It can be used in baking too, much like sour cream.It produces a much more even crumb and even taste.Some Greek yogurt enthusiasts love Chobani. This yogurt is the more boutique of the crew with a line called Chobani Flip which  has sriracha blended with mango and chipotle mixed with pineapple. There is also another line that combines the trendy ancient grains with the yogurt as well as with fruit and spices.I'm a fan of their Indulgents, fruit and yogurt mixed with dark chocolate flakes.It's a nice alternative to any ice cream or pudding dessert. Frozen yogurt  enthusiasts will enjoy Yasso. These are made by two non Greeks that appreciate good taste and healthy food. I love their  coffee chocolate chip and salted caramel. Every bar has either ten or twenty fat calories like the salt caramel and chocolate chip.I'm looking'forward to trying their mint chocolate chip  as well as their vanilla bean.

Greek yogurt is definitely the way to go. It has so many benefits as well as having a great taste and texture. Switch to it today and get started on  a healthier , better diet.

Warm Weather Layers

Layers are not really associated with hot weather. Basically it's stripping down to the bare basics of just tee shorts and shorts, however this doesn't apply to dishes. Layered dishes can be fun for a summer weekend meal, whether they be savory or sweet. They're a colorful treat , full of different flavors and textures.

Every summer party needs a fun dip. Try a Southwestern layered bean dip which has red and black beans along with scallions and jalopenos ;Spices such as cumin and chili powder are used for zing.Add shredded Montery Jack or cheddar  and then microwave for a few minutes. Then layered on the veggies, such as shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Top with layers of guacamole and sour cream. Have plenty of chips and iced Corona on hand .Summer is the time for seafood and why not combine two favorites, crap dip and lobster salad together?. Layer them as you like and you can even add a top decorative layer of baby shrimp. Use Melba toast for dipping. Layered salads are another colorful treat that liven up any barbecue. One is a yummy spin on spinach salad. It's taking two layers of both spinach and lettuce ( use more of one than the other depending on what you like more) Coarsely chopped  hard boiled eggs are then added , followed by coarsely chopped bacon. Layer on tomatoes and scllions and then cover with cheese ,peas and then a simple "icing" of  sour cream- mayo dressing. You can also make a vegan one , using garbanzo  and kidney beans. A layered bean salad is another summery crowd pleaser.You can use any kind of beans, plus veggies to create an interesting dish.You can even try a layered chef's salad to make it more suitable for a weeknight meal. Layer on ham, beef and turkey between layers of greens, tomatoes and hard boiled egg slices.

Summer desserts are the easiest to layer. Parfaits are wonderful, whether for a crowd or for yourself.Of course nothing beats an ice cream one, made with good home made ice cream , fresh fruit and fresh made whipped cream. Try a decadent one , with layers of chocolate ice cream, cherries and strawberries. Add chocolate syrup and a topping of whipped cream for more perfection. Another idea is vanilla ice cream layered with brandy and cherries and topped off with both. A healthy dessert parfait is layering Greek yogurt with blueberries and strawberries for a patriotic spin on the dessert. If you want crunch sprinkled some granola before you put the fruit. Trifles, those layered desserts usually reserved for finishing winter dinners can be lightened up for the summer season. These are great after a barbecue or perfect for ending a Sunday brunch. Get a prepared angel food cake and cut it into cubes.  Lay them evenly in the bottom of a trifle dish.Spoon on a layer of Cool Whip and then layer on the fruit of your choice. Repeat until the trifle reaches the dish's rim. "Ice" with more Cool whip and decorate with slices of the fruit used. Peaches are very good for this but also blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. It can be served immediately or chilled until after dinner

You can do layers during these heat soaked days. Make a yummy layered dip or salad for a get together or dinner. Treat yourself to a decadent ice cream parfait or whip up a fruity trifle for a lovely dessert. It's summer layering done right!

Touchdown For Healthy Eating

Everyone goes wild during the Super Bowl weekend. There's tons of goodies , both savory and sweet to sample and munch on/ Unfortunately most are the wrong choices.The best bet is eating healthy. You'll feel as good as when your team wins.

Veggies are always a wise choice. Luckily every party usually has a crudité platter. Fill up on celery and carrots, because these are the most satisfying. Grape tomatoes are also a wise choice  too and fun to pop into your mouth. Instead of  immersing that stalk or floret in whatever dip offered just do a tiny scoop to get the flavor. Another way of eating healthy veggies is offering to bring the vegetable platter. That way you can also bring the dip and control what goes in it.. If you're hosting  then go for a Greek yogurt based dip. You can add minced onions to create a very healthy onion dip. For fire whip in cut up jalapenos and a few drops of hot sauce. One of the healthiest dips is guacamole. Load it with fresh onion and tomato  with a dash of lime juice. Serve with whole wheat chips or baked potato chips. Pretzels can also be dipped in these sauces too. Football fans love anything cheesy  however this isn't always a heart healthy choice.Try the low fat or even soy kind . Both can be had in several different flavors, from Monterey Jack to mozzarella.You can even make mini grilled cheese sandwiches or English  muffins pizzas with them.

One of the staples of any football party is wings. These are usually over fried , soaking in grease  and a soggy bread coating.Sometimes one wing is a whopping 800 calories thanks to all the battering and frying.. Aim for healthy here. Try oven baked  after a soak in a flavorful marinade. As for the dip, again use Greek yogurt for a better ,low fat and low calorie one. Sliders are another Super Bowl party must have.These are tasty and they do go down fast. Make them healthier by subbing in turkey or soy instead of beef. If you have to have beef sliders, then be judicious with toppings. Stick with veggies like a tomato and pickle slices. Stay away from the mayo and slather on mustard or ketchup. If you're making them then top either turkey or soy bacon and soy cheese .Another choice is grilled veggie sliders filled with eggplant and asparagus  along with sliced beefsteak tomatoes and onions.. Most parties end with a football shaped cake or themed cupcakes. Try a chocolate fondue instead , using dark chocolate for the dip and fun fruit chunks like pineapple  or , apples .Even chunks of low fat angel food cak can be dunked in . Spiced grapes are another nice ending. Roll wet grapes in cinnamon and nutmeg and let set in the fridge for half an hour.

Score a winning touchdown for your heart by eating healthy at this year's Super Bowl party You'll feel better too by sticking with low calories snacks and sweets. It's a win win situation.

Different Dips Different Times

Dips are one of the most versatile and easiest dishes a home chef can create.They can be used to kick off a party or part of an after school snack.Best of all they can be made with healthy ingredients from legumes to veggies.Another good thing in their favor is that they also can be served with a variety of dippables too. One of the easiest and healthiest dips to make is salsa.It's also a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes , peppers or onions from your garden's yield.Dice two or three beefsteaks or vine ripes along with two green bell peppers.Add a diced yellow onion and presto a tasty dip.It's up to you if you want to add seasoning but I'd recommend just a dash of sea salt and freshly ground pepper.Salsa can be customized too to suit everyone's tastes.If your party goers go wild over anything four alarm, then add some ground up chile peppers or sliced jalapenos.If the salsa is for the kids, then think about adding some finely ground broccoli and cauliflower.Also fruits such as blueberries and mangoes can be mixed in for some sweetness.You can also whip up a dessert salsa, with mango ,coconut and pineapple.For heat think shaved Ginger added to the mix? classic dips such as onion and crab are alswyas fun, especially when served with potato chips or even crudités.However the main ingredient sour cream is too high in fat and calories.Remedy that with Greek yogurt,You"ll still have a creamy dip with a satiny texture but it won't be as lethal. Hummus is popular right now.It's not only good for those late summer gatherings but also for after school study groups.It's an easy mix of just tahini paste, chickpeas , olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice.Tahini paste is nothing more than mashed, hulled sesame seeds.You can buy it at any grocery store or you can make it yourself. It's a quick bake in the oven and then purée the seeds with vegetable oil.Hummus can be made to suit any ones's tastes.Roasted garlic and roasted pepper are two favorite add INS.You can also toss in lime, chile or basil.The best snack to serve with hummus is toasted pita wedges or chips.Kids can make hummus sandwiches for a healthy after school snack .Guacamole is another easy ,fun and good for you dip.The best recipe is the easiest.Take two ripe avocados, along with one vine ripe tomato mash with the addition of a minced yellow onion.I also add just the/scantest drop of olive oil to give it smoothness and texture.Remember to add lemon juice so the dip won't discolor.Serve with warmed tortilla chips. Nothing is as versatile or as tasty as a well made dip.Try a salalsa or hummus.Make guacamole for a special first day of school treat.Any kind is just fun to make and fun to eat?